Zelkova schneideriana aka Schneider's Zelkova

Zelkova schneideriana is a large tree in the elm family. Its common names include Chinese zelkova and Schneider zelkova. It grows wild from southeastern Tibet through central and southern China. Stream banks form part of its native habitat. It grows fast and sheds its leaves each year. Garden heights range from 50–98 feet [15–30 metres]. Its spread reaches 50–70 feet [15–21 metres]. The crown may form an oval or vase shape. Branches rise upward, and some trees have several main stems.

The smooth bark gives this tree interest in winter. Dark brown or gray outer bark peels away in plates. This reveals light brown to orange bark beneath. The bare stems are dark gray. Simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf has an oval or stretched, uneven shape. The edges have teeth or rounded scallops. Dark green leaves feel leathery, with rough hairs above. Gray hairs cover the lower surface. Leaves turn red to burgundy before they fall.

Small flowers appear in spring, soon after the leaves open. One tree bears both male and female flowers. The blooms do not make a strong show. The fruit is a small, kidney-shaped drupe. It starts green and turns brown as it ripens. Fruit matures from September through November. These fruits add less visual interest than the leaves and bark. Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It also lists no known medicinal uses or hazards. This does not establish that the fruit is safe to eat.

Moist soil with good drainage suits this tree best. It grows in sand, loam, or clay. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Deep, moist loam is its preferred soil. Planting sites can range from dappled shade to full sun. A site with some shelter suits it. Sources list USDA zones 6–8 or 6–9. Young trees need protection from winter cold and late spring frost. Established trees can withstand cold and drought.

This tree suits woodland sites, stream edges, and broad borders. Gardeners use it for shade or as a specimen. Some sellers offer it as bonsai. Bark fibre supplies material for rope and paper. The timber resists decay. Dutch elm disease can occur, though infection is uncommon. The beetle that spreads it seldom feeds on these trees. NC State lists resistance to honey fungus. Street and parking-lot trees in central North Carolina have shown stress. Reported signs include crown dieback and cracked bark.